CTS applied for the CARES funding last month and the grant award was announced Wednesday. CTS will use the money for operating, preventive maintenance and administrative expenses, which are necessary to maintain service during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“The funding can be used to cover all of our normal operating expenses and does not require the normal state and local matches,” CTS Director Paul Nelson said. “The award will help to cover revenue losses incurred during the pandemic, resulting from reduced ridership and the suspension of fare collections. With this award CTS will be able to maintain full service moving forward.”

CTS suspended fare collection in early April to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. City buses continue to limit to 10 the number of passengers allowed on a bus at the same time, which aligns with the social distancing guidelines urged by the federal Centers for Disease Control.

“We know many of our nation’s public transportation systems are facing extraordinary challenges and these funds will go a long way to assisting our transit industry partners battle COVID-19,” FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams said. “These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all sizes providing essential travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency.”

In addition to the CARES Act money, FTA issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to implement procedures regarding face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene. CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs.

All CTS routes are operating normally at this time with the exception of the APSU Peay Pickup. The CTS Transit Center on Legion Street downtown is closed to the public. All exterior waiting areas remain open. The CTS administration building is closed to the public. All inquiries can be made via phone to 931-553-2430 or email at bus.info@cityofclarksville.com. All bus inquiries can be made via phone at 931-553-2429. All paratransit inquiries can be made via phone at 931-553-2470.